Novel synthesis of advanced Cu capped Cu2O nanoparticles and their photo-catalytic activity for mineralization of aqueous dye molecules

Advanced Cu capped Cu2O nanoparticles and their photo-catalytic activity. [Display omitted] •Copper capped cuprous oxide nanoparticles using trioctylamine via reflux method no.•Surfactant or capping agent was not used resultant no calcination was required.•98.7% mineralization was achieved for CR dye molecules.•Very strong antibacterial agent against broad-spectrum gram (+) and gram (−) bacteria. In current study, Cu capped Cu2O nanoparticles (Cu-Cu2O) was synthesized using trioctylamine which is playing a dual role as a hydrolyzing agent as well as capping agent. Temperature and time dependent studies were also performed to monitor different phase formation. As synthesized material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase determination, crystalline size and morphological investigation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revels the morphology of the nanoparticles was cubic which leads to spherical at higher temperature. Photocatalytic mineralization studies were carried out in the presence of Congo Red (CR) dye, organic molecules decontamination from aquatic environment with 98.7% mineralization.